Phoenix open with a win over Jets despite VAR confusion

The Mark Rudan era at the Wellington Phoenix has begun in style.

Wellington’s Roy Krishna celebrates, left, with David Williams after scoring against Newcastle Jets at Westpac Stadium in Wellington. Picture: Getty Images

The Mark Rudan era at the Wellington Phoenix has begun in style — and confusion — with a 2-1 win over the Newcastle Jets.

In a performance that suggests the Phoenix have developed a spine under new coach Rudan, the main thing to take away in Wellington yesterday was yet more confusion courtesy of the VAR system.

Bewilderment surrounded Wellington’s second goal in particular, in the lead-up to Roy Krishna scoring from a rebound after seeing his effort from the penalty spot pushed out by Jets goalkeeper Glen Moss.

The reason for the 89th-minute penalty, awarded by referee Daniel Elder after viewing a replay, was unclear and appeared to bemuse players on both sides. It matched the confusion of 30 minutes earlier when midfielder Sarpreet Singh looked to have doubled Wellington’s lead.

Elder’s VAR review resulted in the goal being nullified, apparently for handball, sparking an eruption from Rudan and some of his players. The hosts were the happier side when the final whistle blew, after Dimitri Petratos had caused a few palpitations with a rifling goal for Newcastle deep into stoppage time.

Phoenix took the lead after 32 minutes thanks to an own goal from Daniel Georgievski, encapsulating a disjointed display from the Jets.

They couldn’t break down a Phoenix team who have been rebuilt with a defensive bent by Rudan, and to good effect.

English centre back Steven Taylor showed why he forged such a long career at Newcastle United, superbly marshalling a defence that leaked 55 goals last season.

And it was Taylor who sparked the own goal, when he headed a Singh cross tantalisingly in the ­direction of goalkeeper Moss.

Sensing danger, Georgievski rose but only succeeded in flicking his attempted headed clearance into the net.

It is just the second time in 12 seasons the Phoenix have won their opening match and continues their fine record against Newcastle at home, where they have won 12 of their past 15.

Jets coach Ernie Merrick had to make do without the suspended Roy O’Donovan and the injured Joe Champness and Ben Kantarovski, choosing to employ the usually right-sided player Jason Hoffman as a central striker.

AAP